Thinner iPad Pro designThe upcoming iPad Pro models are expected to be thinner than their predecessors.
If true, the M4 chip would offer significant improvements in performance and efficiency, positioning the iPad Pro for years of high-level usage.
New Magic Keyboard for iPad ProApple is also reportedly set to introduce a redesigned Magic Keyboard exclusively for the iPad Pro models.
New Apple iPad Air lineup also on the wayadvertisementWhile the iPad Pro is getting upgrades, Apple is also set to update the iPad Air lineup.
But no new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air modelsWhile the iPad Air will receive upgrades, the redesigned Magic Keyboard will remain exclusive to the iPad Pro models.
Apple’s first major event of 2024, titled the "Let Loose" event, is set to take place on May 7. This event will focus on the new generation of iPads. In fact, it is expected that this year Apple is making its new lineup of iPad Pro and iPad Air models bigger, thinner, and more powerful. There will also be upgrades to their accessories, including the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and more.
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The event is scheduled for May 7 at 7 a.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. IST. Just like the iPhone event, the Let Loose event will take the form of a pre-recorded video that will be streamed across various platforms.
Let's take a detailed look at everything we are expecting from the upcoming Let Loose event:
Bigger OLED screens for iPad Pro
The biggest upgrade this year for the iPad lineup will be for the iPad Pro, with the introduction of OLED screens for the first time. Both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch models are expected to feature OLED technology, which promises improved brightness and contrast, offering significant enhancements for creative work or media consumption.
Thinner iPad Pro design
The upcoming iPad Pro models are expected to be thinner than their predecessors. The 12.9-inch model will decrease in thickness by 20 per cent, while the 11-inch model will shrink by 15 per cent. The new OLED displays will allow for these sleeker designs, though there may be concerns about battery life.
Apple to introduce new M4 chip with iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro may come equipped with either the M3 or the brand-new M4 chip. According to Bloomberg's Gurman, Apple might introduce its M4 chip with Pro iPads and later bring it to the Mac lineup. If true, the M4 chip would offer significant improvements in performance and efficiency, positioning the iPad Pro for years of high-level usage.
Front-facing camera in the middle
The iPad Pro is anticipated to follow the base-model iPad's lead in relocating its front-facing camera to the landscape bezel, making video conferencing more natural and intuitive.
New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
Apple is also reportedly set to introduce a redesigned Magic Keyboard exclusively for the iPad Pro models. The new version will likely feature an aluminium base for a more laptop-like feel, a larger trackpad, and possibly a row of function keys. These changes could enhance productivity and usability.
Apple Pencil 3 also arriving?
The third-generation Apple Pencil is expected to debut with swappable tips, Find My integration, and a “squeeze” gesture for additional control options. This new iteration could cater to a wider range of creative needs.
Apple to increase the prices of new iPad Pro?
Price increases for the new iPad Pro models are likely, with base prices expected to rise by at least $100. Given the expected need to purchase new accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, the cost of a complete iPad Pro package may climb significantly.
New Apple iPad Air lineup also on the way
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While the iPad Pro is getting upgrades, Apple is also set to update the iPad Air lineup. A notable addition is the 12.9-inch iPad Air, a first for the Air lineup. This larger size may lack the OLED technology of the iPad Pro but will maintain the same LCD displays as previous models. Additionally, the front-facing camera will be repositioned to the landscape bezel.
But no new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air models
While the iPad Air will receive upgrades, the redesigned Magic Keyboard will remain exclusive to the iPad Pro models.
Apple may share the release date of next iPadOS update
Alongside the hardware announcements, the release date for iPadOS 17.5 is likely to be shared during the event. Though new features may be limited, expect to hear about Find My security enhancements and the possible addition of new games and apps. Just after a month, Apple is expected to host its developer’s event, WWDC 2024, where it may introduce the new OS upgrade across devices, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and more.
